In his WSJ op-ed, Germany’s Chancellor Scholz stresses the global peril of a Russian win in Ukraine, advocating for continued Western aid and a fortified NATO to counteract Russia’s threat to Ukraine’s independence and European security.
In his op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal on 7 February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz argues that a Russian victory in Ukraine would spell disaster not only for Ukraine’s sovereignty but also for the stability and democratic values of Europe, emphasizing the critical need for sustained Western support, unity against Putin’s divisive strategies, and the bolstering of NATO’s defense capabilities to counter Russia’s aggression.
The article was published against the backdrop of US Congressional Republicans delaying military aid for Ukraine for months, alongside the EU’s recent success in overcoming Hungary’s veto to secure aid for Ukraine.
Scholz warned that a Russian victory would not only endanger Ukraine’s sovereignty but also pose a significant threat to the liberal world order and European stability.
“Russia’s brutal attempt to steal territory by force could serve as a blueprint for other authoritarian leaders around the globe. More countries would run the risk of falling prey to a nearby predator,” Scholz wrote.
Scholz highlighted the importance of Western support in enabling Ukraine to resist Russian forces. He pointed out the substantial contributions made by the European Union, the United States, and Germany, which have bolstered Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Germany’s support, in particular, has been notable, with over $30 billion worth of military equipment supplied, alongside welcoming over a million Ukrainian refugees, with “Germany’s military support is second only to America’s.”